Six Indoor Water Parks to Visit All Year Long
Indoor water parks have at least one great thing going for them: they’re weather-proof. Even if it’s raining or snowing outside, they consistently hover around a balmy 84 degrees. But there’s a lot more to love about these aquatic playgrounds, such as the fact that they’re often attached to resorts with themed guest rooms and other family-friendly activities. Then again, the water slides are probably enough of an attraction on their own. Whatever your reason for going, here are six indoor water parks you can splash into all year long.
1. Great Wolf Lodge | Grapevine, TX
Claim to fame: It’s part of the largest family of indoor water parks in the United States (there are 12 others).
What’s inside: A four-story treehouse with a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, six water slides, two jumbo hot tubs, safe play zones for kids, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Most extreme water slide: The Howlin’ Tornado, a six-story funnel that swirls riders 30 feet up the sides in a four-person raft.
Does it offer day passes?: You must be a hotel guest to gain entrance to the park.
Hotel perks: A spa and kids’ spa, numerous dining options, and themed guest rooms with bunkbeds.
2. Kalahari Resort | Sandusky, OH
Claim to fame: It was named one of America’s coolest indoor water parks by Conde Nast Traveler.
What’s inside: A 50,000-gallon Flowrider, 10 water slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, safe play zones for young kids, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Most extreme water slide: The Zip Coaster, a roller coaster-water slide hybrid that propels riders through free falls and turns at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
Does it offer day passes?: Yes
Hotel perks: A safari-themed animal park, mini bowling and mini golf, an arcade, numerous dining options, and suites that comfortably sleep up to 36.
3. KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort | Gurnee, IL
Claim to fame: It’s the largest indoor water park in the United States.
What’s inside: Five water slides, an adults-only hot tub, safe play zones for young kids, a gentle wave pool, and a lazy river.
Most extreme water slide: The Hurricane Vortex, a whirlpool slide that ends with a plunge into the lazy river.
Does it offer day passes?: You must be a hotel guest to gain entrance to the park.
Hotel perks: An 8,000-square-foot arcade, an arts and crafts room with daily activities, numerous dining options, and tropical-themed rooms and suites.
4. Water Park of America | Bloomington, MN
Claim to fame: It’s the tallest indoor water park in the United States.
What’s inside: A Flowrider that moves at up to 30 miles per hour, a multi-story fort with a 500-gallon tipping bucket, four water slides, a hot tub, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Most extreme water slide: The Eagle’s Nest, a five-story body slide that begins on the 10th floor and ends in a giant pool.
Does it offer day passes?: Yes
Where to stay: There’s no hotel attached to the indoor water park, but you can stay right across the street at Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America. Search coupons for Radisson here.
5. Splash Lagoon | Erie, PA
Claim to fame: It’s home to the largest wave pool in the eastern United States.
What’s inside: A five-story tiki treehouse with a treetops ropes course and giant tipping bucket, eight water slides, three hot tubs, a safe play zone for young kids, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Most extreme water slide: The Hurricane Hole, a whirlpool slide that reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Does it offer day passes?: Yes
Where to stay: There are three hotels attached to the indoor water park: a Holiday Inn Express & Suites, a Residence Inn by Marriott, and a Comfort Inn & Suites. Find other nearby hotels in Erie here.
6. Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark at Boyne Mountain Resort | Boyne Falls, MI
Claim to fame: It’s Michigan’s largest indoor water park.
What’s inside: Five water slides, two hot tubs, safe play zones for young kids, an indoor surfing wave, a wet climbing wall, and a lazy river. Oh, and a “water avalanche” that dumps 800 gallons every 15 minutes.
Most extreme water slide: The Vertigo Slide, a tube slide that shoots riders into a giant whirlpool.
Does it offer day passes?: Yes
Hotel perks: A ski hill, ziplines, horseback rides, a 36-hole golf course, and chalet-like guest rooms.
Photo: Courtesy of Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park